2004 AutoGlow! Gala to Benefit The Children's Center in Detroit

DETROIT, Dec. 18, 2003 -- The glitz and glam of the North American International Auto Show Charity Preview will soon return to Downtown Detroit. The Children's Center, located in Detroit, will host 2004 AutoGlow!, the premier afterglow party in the Atrium of Ford Field at 8 p.m. on Friday, January 9. Proceeds from the gala will benefit The Children's Center as they continue to address the needs and problems of some of the most troubled children in the United States.

This marks the 12th year for the premier black-tie benefit, which coincides with the North American International Auto Show Charity Preview at Cobo Center. AutoGlow! Co-Chairs are Patricia and Daniel Frank, and Honorary Co-Chairs are Lisa and William Clay Ford, Jr.

"The Children's Center has been there for thousands of children and their families as a support system," said Lisa Ford. "I am very proud to help contribute to their vision and their mission. There are so many programs and services that The Children's Center provides and they need our help to keep them going strong."

AutoGlow! guests will be treated to an elegant and entertaining evening in the beautifully decorated Atrium at Ford Field. Patrons will be treated to an array of fabulous food, combined with the sounds of Mel Ball & Colours. Guests who decide to choose AutoGlow! as their afterglow party destination will receive complimentary valet parking at Ford Field and luxury shuttle service, to and from Cobo Hall, which will begin at 5:30 p.m.

This year marks the second year for Merrill Lynch as title sponsor for AutoGlow! "Merrill Lynch is honored to partner with The Children's Center in giving back to our community. Responsible citizenship is one of our founding principles," said Ernie Moegelin, regional managing director.

Returning as AutoGlow! Diamond Sponsor for the third consecutive year is Ford Motor Company, and for the second year, Oldies 104.3 WOMC will serve as the radio sponsor. For the first time, AutoGlow! will have STYLE Magazine as their Magazine Sponsor. MB Jewelers has designed a one-of-a-kind pin featuring The Children's Center logo that will be given to each of the AutoGlow! guests as a gift of thanks for their support.

AutoGlow! sponsorship opportunities are still available ranging from $5,000-$45,000 and individual tickets for the event are $200 per person. Special sponsorship packages are still available. For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to order tickets, please call Janet Serba at 313.262.1170.

Established in 1929 by U.S. Senator James Couzens as one of the nation's first child-guidance clinics, The Children's Center has grown to be one of the largest, most diverse child-serving agencies in Michigan while addressing the needs of more than 7,000 children and families annually through 25 inter- related programs.

Merrill Lynch is one of the world's leading financial management and advisory companies, with offices in 36 countries and total client assets of approximately $1.4 trillion. As an investment bank, it is a leading global underwriter of debt and equity securities and strategic advisor to corporations, governments, institutions and individuals worldwide. Through Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, the company is one of the world's largest managers of financial assets, with assets under management of $473 billion. For more information on Merrill Lynch, please visit www.ml.com .

Ford is the world's second-largest automaker, with approximately 350,000 employees and with dealerships in more than 200 markets on six continents. Its automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, Aston Martin and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Credit, Hertz and Quality Care. Ford Motor Company officially observed its 100th anniversary on June 16.